Overview
- James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film draws inspiration from classic sources, aiming for a more uplifting and nostalgic approach to the beloved superhero.
- There are compelling hints that Ultraman may appear in the movie, suggesting intriguing possibilities for multiverse storylines.
- The trailer introduces key conflicts, featuring iconic villains such as Lex Luthor and a yet-unnamed enigmatic character, setting the stage for potential sequels.
James Gunn invites audiences to ‘look up’ as preparations are underway for the Superman movie, which is set to premier in 2025. This film promises to be a pivotal launch in the reimagined DC Universe (DCU), following Gunn’s Creature Commandos and representing the first live-action Superman film since 2013’s Man of Steel. David Corenswet will don the iconic red cape, marking a significant moment for fans of the franchise.
In contrast to the previous dark themes of the DCEU, Gunn aims to deliver a fresh perspective, evoking the spirit of Richard Donner’s classic from 1978. With nods to the timeless score by John Williams, the film brings back fan-favorite characters like Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, and Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, portrayed as a main antagonist. However, there’s speculation that the initial trailer conceals another formidable villain.
Hints of Ultraman in the Superman Trailer
Corenswet’s interpretation of Superman is reportedly influenced by various essential comic book storylines, particularly Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s revered run in All-Star Superman, released between 2005 and 2008. The initial trailer generated excitement among fans, showcasing Hoult’s rendition of Lex Luthor after Jesse Eisenberg’s previous portrayal. Interestingly, it hints at an additional threat in the form of a massive kaiju that wreaks havoc in Metropolis, sparking speculation about a future crossover with the Aquaman franchise.
Noteworthy is a swift moment in the trailer where Superman confronts a shadowy figure in black. This revelation follows set photos featuring an individual adorned with a ‘U’ insignia, igniting rumors that Ultraman could make an entrance in the film. Although Gunn has stated that Luthor is the film’s primary villain, evidence suggests Ultraman may be lurking in the shadows. Previous images show this unidentified character alongside Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr., raising questions about Superman’s potential arrest and the possibility of a case of mistaken identity involving Ultraman.
First introduced in the 1964 comic Justice League of America #29, Ultraman serves as an alternate, malevolent version of Superman from the parallel universe known as Earth-Three. This character leads the Crime Syndicate of America, consisting of other evil counterparts such as Owlman and Power Ring. Intriguingly, Ultraman thrives on exposure to Kryptonite, gaining enhanced powers unlike his heroic counterpart. His narrative intertwines with conflicts against the Justice League of America (JLA) and the Justice Society of America (JSA).
Ultraman’s Potential Role in the DC Universe
If Ultraman truly makes an appearance in the Superman film, this would not mark his first live-action adaptation. The series Smallville featured a version of the character during its concluding season, with Tom Welling portraying both the heroic Clark Kent and the villainous Clark Luthor from Earth-2. There is speculation that Gunn may be embracing a similar concept by having Corenswet embody both Kal-El and Ultraman, especially after Gunn indicated that all major casting announcements had already been finalized back in March 2024, rather than revealing high-profile roles that fans anticipated.
While many speculate that Bizarro might be the main antagonist, the mysterious figure in black with the U insignia serves as a significant indicator. Gunn’s appreciation for lesser-known Superman villains makes Ultraman an intriguing choice compared to the typical adversary status of Lex Luthor. Although fans are keen on seeing Brainiac in potential sequels, Gunn may be reserving him for future narratives, given that Ultraman’s alliance with Lex Luthor is a well-documented aspect of the comics.
Considering the role Ultraman could play, it seems unlikely that Gunn would delve into multiverse elements so early in the new DCU, especially as Warner Bros. grapples with its past missteps, notably with The Flash. The trailer hints at several subtle Easter eggs, including the giant laser-shooting eye machine and references to Stagg Enterprises, suggesting a possible origin story where Lex Luthor or Simon Stagg could be behind creating a villainous Superman clone. After all, in comic lore, Stagg is often depicted as the catalyst for various superhuman powers.
It’s also plausible that Ultraman’s role may be limited to a cameo, setting the groundwork for future movies. The trailer indicates Gunn’s expansive vision for the DCU, introducing characters like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific, while making it clear that a Justice League has yet to be established in this cinematic universe. Gunn has emphasized the importance of standalone stories within a broader narrative, and Superman appears poised to engage audiences with its unique world-building elements. Fans will have to wait until July 2025 to discover whether Ultraman makes his long-awaited cinematic debut.
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